Netherlands remained on course for Euro 2020 after a difficult 3-1 win over Northern Ireland on Thursday. After the game, Ronald Koeman criticised the tactics of Northern Ireland.

Netherlands struggled to create chances in De Kuip and fell behind in the 75th minute. However, two goals from Memphis Depay and a Luuk de Jong strike ensured a 3-1 win that puts Oranje top of the group.

After the game, Koeman spoke to NOS, “I thought they did perfectly within their capabilities. But what they play is also outrageous football. It is allowed and they get the most out of their qualities, but it is terrible to watch.”

Koeman thought his side played too slowly, “I thought that we could go faster to Dumfries via De Roon. That sometimes went too slow, so that they closed it. Then you really depend on individual qualities. They defended them well. In the second half it became slightly different.

“You hope that you can bring more pressure and create more. That happened, but then we got the hit on the nose. ”

Koeman defended his line-up and said he wouldn’t have changed anything, “I don’t think we should have done anything else. I don’t think we would have played better with another midfield or created more opportunities.”

Koeman was happy for Memphis after his two goals, “That is great for Memphis. He found it very difficult to find the ball in a very difficult game. He was not happy. If you still leave your mark like that, that’s great class.”




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